EmmaWith winter coming in fast, it’s fair to say that comfort food is now high on the agenda and it doesn’t get more comforting than macaroni cheese. Many new vegans may think that this homemade favourite would be off the menu, but nothing could be further for the truth. There are so many fantastic alternatives out there, and lots of establishments in Scotland’s capital have made it their mission to nail this comfort food favourite.
So where can you find the best mac and cheese in Edinburgh…? Read on to find out.
Harmonium
60 Henderson Street, EH6 6BS
The creamiest
Harmonium arrived in Edinburgh during the summer of 2017 to much excitement and fanfare, and quite rightly so. These guys already had proven form with the likes of the Flying Duck, Mono and Stereo in Glasgow, and their latest venture certainly does not disappoint.
Their menu is full of comfort food favourites like burgers and pizzas, but one of the most popular dishes is their super-creamy mac and cheese. Served with either a side of hand-cut chips or garlic bread, this is one delicious meal you need to try if you’re in Leith.
Thrive
171 Bruntsfield Place, EH10 4DG
The healthy one
Thrive is a new vegetarian restaurant in the heart of Bruntsfield, specialising in salads, comforting bowls and burgers. One of their most popular bowl dishes is the mac and “peas” – made with cashew and cauliflower “cheeze sauce”, macaroni, chickpeas, spinach and BBQ beets sauce.
Granted, the taste is not particularly “cheesy”, but this bowl of goodness probably packs a much mightier nutritional punch than the other examples on this list, and is certainly one of the brightest and most colourful mac and cheese dishes you’ll find in Edinburgh.
Roots
18 William Street, EH3 7NH
The new kid on the block
This popular deli in the West End has been around for a year or two, but it has just got round to nailing a decent mac and cheese recipe. The team at Root’s don’t like to do things by halves, and indeed this cup of yumminess is creamy and comforting, exactly as you would expect.
Roots have a rotating menu so if you see this on the specials board, make sure you try some. Like most of their dishes, the macaroni cheese is available to sit in or take-away.
Vesta
7-8 Queensferry Street, EH2 4PA
Eat good, do good
Over 50% of Vesta’s menu is vegan, including their decadent macaroni cheese. Served with a delicious slice of charred garlic bread, this is definitely a good option to try at this West End restaurant.
Plus, thanks to its partnership to Social Bite, you can pay-it-forward and make sure that vulnerable people in the community can also enjoy a decent meal too.
Beetroot Sauvage
33-41 Ratcliffe Terrace, EH9 1SX
The “cheesiest” of them all
Marie-Anne at Beetroot Sauvage really has got vegan cheese down to an art. The vegan cheese platter is amazing, so it was no surprise to learn that the vegan macaroni cheese is excellent too. With a really cheesy sauce topped with crispy breadcrumbs and served with a foraged side salad, you really can’t go wrong with this cult favourite.
Read more about Beetroot Sauvage >
Henderson’s
94 Hanover Street, EH2 1DR
The essential
If you’ve been to Edinburgh and haven’t dined at Hendersons, are you a vegan, really?! I’m joking of course, but Henderson’s really is an institution and one of the first places you should try when you arrive in Scotland’s capital. A plate of their vegan macaroni cheese is just the thing you need to perk up your spirits on a cold and dreary day.
If you fancy making a night of it, Hendersons often serve up their famous macaroni cheese at their regular movie night screenings. Keep an eye on their Facebook page for the next event!
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Lucky Pig @ Paradise Palms serve truly incredible Vegan Mac! My omnivore friends can’t even tell the difference. They make their own sauce from cashews which is just delicious and full of protein!